Author: Carol Barton

Publisher: Popular Kinetics Press

ISBN: 0-9627752-0-7

The following review was contributed by:  Jennifer Brown : Click Here To View Jennifer Brown's Reviews

Imagine having the ability to make one of those beautiful, intricate pop-up books or cards that make young and old alike ooh and ahh over your handiwork. Think you couldn’t do it? Well, with Carol Barton’s help you just might.

Barton’s book, THE POCKET PAPER ENGINEER, is a hands-on guide to making pop-ups. This volume (Volume 1: Basic Forms) focuses on sticking to the most fundamental designs such as boxes, triangles, and simple layers for the novice pop-up artist.

With a notebook-like design, THE POCKET PAPER ENGINEER is divided by actual dividing tabs into five categories for easy referral. Those categories are:

*Directions

*Boxes

*Triangles

*Combinations & Variations

*Layers

Each category gives a page of explanation; a step-by-step illustrated instruction guide; a photo of the finished pop-up; a handy tear-out practice sheet, complete with detailed, labeled “cut lines” drawn in; and a pocket for storage of completed projects.

Barton is very thorough in her explanation of making pop-ups and even goes so far as to provide supply lists and a safety guide.

The only downside to this book is that the illustrated “practice pop-ups” are not terribly pleasing to the eye, as they are a bit dark and dreary looking. In fact, the whole book is a bit drab color-wise and could be easily overlooked on a bookshelf. Don’t let the plain appearance fool you – the learning opportunity within is anything but boring.

A unique gift for the amateur artist, THE POCKET PAPER ENGINEER provides hours of artistic fun easy enough for children to conquer and entertaining enough for an adult who likes to fiddle around with crafts to enjoy, and should find a place on your gift-giving list easily.